Bermuda’s America’s Cup plans have been highlighted in an international magazine aimed at the yachting community.

The autumn/winter edition of Yachting Matters, which will be available at the Monaco Yacht Show, features a four-page article by Mark Soares of Bermuda Yacht Services promoting the Island and the event as a destination for yachts and superyachts.

In the piece, he states that a custom superyacht programme has been created for the event specifically to cater to the needs of owners, guests and corporate groups.

“There are a variety of packages that include front-row viewing on the racecourse boundary, various berthing choices, VIP access to AC hospitality areas and functions, personalised concierge assistance, preregistered on-water and onshore superyacht events and duty-free fuelling privileges,” he wrote.

“The America’s Cup will be offering unique berthing opportunities around the Island including several berths within the America’s Cup village.

“There are other new facilities for yachts on the Island that have been built in the last few years and more scheduled for completion before the spring of 2017.

“We here in Bermuda are very excited about the events of June 2017, which will also include a superyacht regatta and a J-class regatta.

“These events have never been seen in Bermuda.”

Mr Soares also notes the Island’s rich maritime history, including the development of the Bermuda Rig and the Bermuda Sloops, which quickly built a reputation for fast sailing and solid construction.

“By 1690 large numbers of sloops were being built in Bermuda to be sold to mainland colonies, and eventually built for Royal English merchants for West Indies and African trade,” he said.

“The Royal Navy used them as fast courier vessels, carrying messages and supplies between the giant cumbersome ‘Ships of the Line’. The French also used them as cruisers.

“Built almost entirely of native Bermudian cedar, these vessels performed well in light and moderate conditions and were exceptional at sailing close to the wind.

“The Bermuda sloop designs seem to have heavily influenced the fast-sailing American schooners of the Chesapeake Bay, which came to be known as Baltimore clippers. It is highly likely that the schooner America, first winner of the One Hundred Sovereign Cup in 1851, or as it is now known the America’s Cup, was heavily influenced by advancements made in these designs.”

The article also highlights the sail training vessel Spirit of Bermuda, the Island’s history of fitted dinghy races and the Bermuda Gold Cup.

Noting Bermuda’s mid-Atlantic location and favourable weather, Mr Soares added: “All factors considered, the 35th America’s Cup could see record attendance by superyachts.

“The Bermuda Government and the people of Bermuda see this as an opportunity to showcase Bermuda as a yachting destination. Bermuda is exploring changes to yacht policy and legislation for the America’s Cup that will create a legacy long after the America’s Cup has left town. No matter who wins the America’s Cup, Bermuda will be the winner of the long-term benefits from the event and its impact on our yachting industry.”